Project Manager (Major Projects)

Summary:

Are you a proactive, high-performing Project Manager ready to take the reins on high-value, transformative infrastructure?

Do you have the drive to deliver complex capital projects from initial concept through to final handover?

Do you have experience of project finance?

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to step into a high-visibility leadership role developing a commercial proposition which is attractive to the market, acceptable to SEW Board, Exec and most importantly, to Customers. This is a critical element to the successful delivery of the project. As Project Manager you will lead the end-to-end delivery of work packages forming part of a large-scale, and high-value major capital infrastructure project.

In support of the Senior Project Manager, you will be accountable for developing a series of commercial positions by successfully managing our expert supply chain. These complex projects typically involve significant treatment works upgrades or major pipeline installations, from inception through to completion and handover. A core requirement of this role is the proficient management of contracts, particularly utilising the New Engineering Contract (NEC) suite, ensuring the project is delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, while managing strategic risks and high-stakes stakeholder expectations effectively.

As Project Manager you will be accountable and responsible for the successful delivery of your assigned work packages. The principal measures of success in the role will be the safe and successful delivery of the project to Time, Cost, and Quality objectives.

Main responsibilities:

Project Delivery

• Manage the full lifecycle of a single major capital project, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure, ensuring all strategic objectives are met.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including consultants contractors, and regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofwat, Environment Agency, DWI), and local authorities. To maintain and enhance the reputation of South East Water.

Scope & Schedule Management

• Define and control the detailed project scope and deliverables for the major project. Develop and manage the long-term master schedule, tracking critical path progress and implementing strategic corrective actions to maintain the project timeline.

Budget & Cost Control

• Develop project budgets, monitor expenditure, forecast costs, and manage financial performance to ensure delivery within approved funding.

Risk & Opportunity Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks. Proactively manage the early warning process and identify opportunities for project enhancement or efficiency.

Contract Management (NEC Focus)

• Lead the administration and management of contracts, primarily under the NEC3/NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) framework.

• Manage contract award, and subsequent contract administration activities.

• Proactively manage communication, compensation events, early warnings, programme submissions, payments, and dispute resolution in accordance with NEC procedures.

• Ensure contractual compliance by all parties (Client, Contractor, Designer).

• Oversee contract change control processes and manage final accounts.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all project deliverables meet required technical specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements specific to the water industry.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• To take a lead on the safe delivery of projects and contribute to the continuous improvement of the delivery team's safety culture. Champion a strong HSE culture. Ensure all project activities comply with company policies, CDM regulations, and relevant environmental legislation.

Reporting

• Provide regular and accurate project progress reports, highlighting key achievements, risks, issues, and financial status to senior management and stakeholders. To develop, present and gain corporate approval for project or sub-programme business cases, in line with the Company's governance processes.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and motivate a large, dedicated, and potentially multi-organisational project team. Foster a collaborative, performance-driven environment focused on the successful delivery of the major project.

You'll need:
Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management) or equivalent demonstrable experience.

• Experience of PPP/PFI project finance desirable

• NEC Accreditation: Must hold NEC3 or NEC4 Project Manager Accreditation (ECC). Alternatively, provide evidence of extensive, hands-on experience successfully managing multiple projects as a Project Manager under NEC3/NEC4 ECC conditions.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex infrastructure projects through the entire lifecycle. Strong planning, organisational, and time management skills.

• Contract Management (NEC Expertise): Demonstrable, in-depth understanding and practical application of the NEC3/NEC4 ECC suite is essential. Ability to interpret contractual requirements and manage contractual processes effectively and fairly.

• Technical Acumen: Good understanding of civil engineering, M&E, or process principles, ideally within the water/wastewater sector. Ability to understand technical drawings and specifications.

• Financial Management: Strong budget management, cost control, and financial forecasting skills.

• Risk Management: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and managing project risks and opportunities.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build strong relationships and effectively influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions under pressure.

• Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate project teams.

• HSE Awareness: Strong understanding and commitment to health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices, including CDM regulations.

• IT Proficiency: Competent in using project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and standard office software (Google Workspace).

• Significant, proven experience in the strategic oversight and management of complex, large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably within the water industry or similar regulated utility sectors.

• Proven track record of managing a project through its entire lifecycle, successfully delivering high-value capital works on time and within budget.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

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Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package:

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.

• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.

• Paid volunteering days.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Health cash plan.

• Life assurance.

• Wellbeing related benefits.

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What can you expect from your recruitment?

• To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website.

• It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.

• Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

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If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package:

Up to £73,000 p.a. plus Car Allowance